February is Library Lovers Month and celebrating with a good book from your home library is something you can't pass up. But wait — do you have a comfy reading nook yet?
A reading nook is a snug nest tucked away in a quiet space that lets you recharge with your favorite books. Sure, you can read anywhere, but it won't have the same feel as your little reading-getaway spot.
You can create a reading nook anywhere, your bedroom, home office, living room, unused hallways, or even your walk-in closet. But before you do, make sure you check out our guide!
1. Comfy Seating
Of course, you could plop down on your old office chair or the sofa, but why not upgrade to something more suitable for reading? A chaise lounge lets you stay comfortable no matter what position you're in (book yoga happens, right?) and lets you stretch out. Of course, you can't go wrong with a chair & ottoman, a large pouf, or a plush bench — whatever suits your comfort!
No matter what you choose, look for something that gives you adequate support, like with no-sage, sinuous wire springs, so you don't feel crampy after too many hours of sitting!
2. Throw Pillows & Blankets
Once you have comfy seating in place, add some soft throw pillows and blankets for even more comfort. You can use the throw pillows to prop yourself up in a better position and prevent stiffness or cramping. And with the blankets, you can keep off the chill and create a reading nest that's just for you and the stories playing out on the page!
3. Side Table
After you've got your reading spot all set up, a side table is a must-have. You won't always be reading; you might take a break to meditate, nap, or jot down some notes. A side table is a convenient place to set down your books and magazines, place your drinks, and show off your home décor.
If you want to keep all your essentials nearby, look for side tables with shelves or drawers to make organizing everything easier!
Pro Tip: You can also use an oversized ottoman as a side table too! Add a serving tray to use as a safe place to set everything down and in one spot!
4. Lighting
Lighting is essential for reading, even for those who prefer to read on e-readers. Too much light can hurt your eyes and make reading difficult, and too little light will increase eye strain and may cause damage. So it's best to look for lighting in the middle, usually warm lighting sources with a minimum of 800 lumens.
Natural light works best, like if you had a reading nook in a window seat. But if that's not available in your space, you can use floor lamps or desk lamps with dimmer switches to adjust the amount of light as needed.
If you have lights for the room, you'll still want a smaller source nearer your reading position for better illumination. And if you have the space, you can use a statement lighting piece to show off your taste. Or use fairy lights to help create the perfect escape-from-reality spot!
Pro Tip: 75-watt bulbs have around 1,100 lumens, while 40-watt bulbs have 470 lumens.
5. Rugs
The best way to tie the room together and add even more comfort to your reading experience is by using an oversized area rug. This will ground your space and make your floors comfier, especially if you have bare floors. If you get a large area rug, you can cover your whole reading nook, so walking around barefoot or in your favorite slippers is even better!
6. Shelves
Naturally, the most crucial part of any reading nook is the shelves — bookshelves, to be precise! Having all your books (or at least your favorites) close to your reading nook is convenient, but styling them is essential.
- Start with organizing your larger items first.
- Add in some artwork.
- Mix up your book placement with upright books and stacks.
- Place décor items on top of stacks.
- Decorate in odd numbers
- Put up some plants!
You can also organize your shelves by color, alphabet, series, or however it suits your needs. The important thing is for your bookshelf to reflect how you feel so your reading nook is more comfortable!
7. Extras
While you might add some extras like art to your bookshelf, the rest of your reading nook can also benefit from a little extra flair.
- Artwork: find art that mimics the themes of your favorite genres and makes transporting yourself to a new world easier.
- Plants: add plants (real or fake) to breathe more life into your space and make it feel more relaxing and rejuvenating.
- Notes: bring sticky notes, notebooks, and pens to jot down ideas or thoughts about what you're reading!
- Scents: The right smell will create a soothing, calming effect, whether with scented candles or a scent diffuser.
Happy Reading!
With these steps, you'll be well on your way to having the best reading nook ever! But before you dig in, do you have the right furniture? At Jim’s Appliance & Furniture, you'll find the seating, lamps, bookcases, and more to make your reading time extra special!
And if you have any questions, give us a call or stop by!